Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Asia

On August 18, the damaged tanker 'Asia' successfully made its way through the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, accompanied by multiple tugboats and stringent security protocols. This marked a significant transit following a recent drone attack the vessel experienced while docked at the Russian CPC terminal. In response to the situation, Turkish authorities took precautionary measures, temporarily halting maritime traffic in the strait to guarantee the safe passage of the offloaded tanker.

In a significant incident reported on July 19, 2026, two tankers, 'Asia' and 'Nissos Ios' (IMO: 9886770), sustained damages at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal located off Russia’s Black Sea coast. The assault prompted an immediate suspension of oil loading operations, with both vessels engaged in loading at the time of the attack. Notably, the 'Asia' vessel was set ablaze, but fortunately, the fire was contained without injuries or fatalities among CPC personnel or contractors, and no oil spill was reported. The tankers were able to remain afloat during the incident. Kazakhstan’s energy ministry confirmed that the Single Point Mooring (SPM) facilities SPM-1 and SPM-3 were unharmed. Crude oil loading operations at the nearby terminal were halted pending a comprehensive evaluation of the situation following the attack. The following day, on July 20, another incident occurred involving the tanker 'Nelsa' (IMO: 9408205), which was struck by a projectile while at the terminal. The impact occurred between the superstructure and the engine room, resulting in a significant fire outbreak that necessitated the urgent evacuation of its 22 crew members onto CPC tugs. Fire response teams worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control. It is important to note that the 'Nelsa' was placed under UK sanctions in 2024 and EU sanctions in 2025 due to its involvement in the Russian oil trade.